Object mounting and suspending systems

ABSTRACT

Object mounting systems including mounting systems for hanging an object on a surface, utilizing a number of tension bearing members inserted into mounting receptacles attached to the object to be hung or suspended; each tension bearing member engaging a wall anchor configure to attach to a mounting surface.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to systems for mounting andsuspending objects. In particular, systems that utilize a combination ofanchors and tension bearing members to adjustably hang various objectsare described.

Known mounting systems are not entirely satisfactory the range ofapplications in which they are employed. For example, existing mountingsystems are difficult to hang. Current systems require manypre-installation adjustments and have burdensome leveling requirements.

In many systems the mounting hardware is fixed to the object that isbeing mounted. This can make it difficult to hang a custom shaped orsized object. Many objects are also not conducive to fixed attachmentpoints. A flat piece of glass for instance does not have any attachmentpoints and would need to be modified significantly to work with existingmounting hardware.

This lack of adaptability minimizes the number of objects that can besuspended and the types of surfaces to which the objects may be mountedutilizing a single system.

In addition to the difficulties encountered when using existing mountingsystems, current designs are too bulky. Often the objects beingsuspended are planar and very low profile. The intention is typically tominimize the profile by mounting the object as close to the wall ormounting surface as possible. In some cases however, the currentmounting systems have a fixed minimum profile that does not allow forlow profile surface attachment.

Existing systems with metal frame construction abut the mounting surfaceand the object causing the object to jut out from the mounting surface.

The metal frame has a minimum required thickness to enable supportingthe objects weight. Often this thickness pushes the object out from themounting surface exceeding the desired profile.

Currently employed mounting systems can also be unnecessarily complex.The mounting hardware for existing systems requires precise mechanicalalignment. When the object is hung out-of-level, the only option istedious removal and readjustment.

Thus, there exists a need for mounting systems that improve upon andadvance the design of known systems. Examples of new and useful mountingsystems relevant to the needs existing in the field are discussed below.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is directed to a mounting system for hanging anobject on a surface, utilizing a number of tension bearing membersinserted into mounting receptacles attached to the object to be hung orsuspended; each tension bearing member engaging a wall anchor configuredto attach to a mounting surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view, of a first example of an object mountingsystem.

FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the object mounting system shownin FIG. 1 depicting an object being suspended from a pair of wallanchors.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting system shown in FIG. 1depicting the wail anchors shown in FIG. 2 and further including a frontelevation, side elevation, and perspective view of a wall anchor.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the mounting system shown in FIG. 1depicted in various mounting arrangements.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a second example of an object mountingsystem where the object being suspended is a flat screen television.

FIG. 6 is a rear elevation view of the object mounting system shown inFIG. 5 depicting a plurality of fixed mounting receptacles receivingdiscrete ends of a pair of tension bearing members.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of a third example of an objectmounting system depicting an adjustable mounting receptacle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The disclosed mounting systems will become better understood throughreview of the following detailed description in conjunction with thefigures. The detailed description and figures provide merely examples ofthe various inventions described herein. Those skilled in the art willunderstand that the disclosed examples may be varied, modified, andaltered without departing from the scope of the inventions describedherein. Many variations are contemplated for different applications anddesign considerations; however, for the sake of brevity, each and everycontemplated variation is not individually described in the followingdetailed description.

Throughout the following detailed description, examples of variousmounting systems are provided. Related features in the examples may beidentical, similar, or dissimilar in different examples. For the sake ofbrevity, related features will not be redundantly explained in eachexample. Instead, the use of related feature names will cue the readerthat the feature with a related feature name may be similar to therelated feature in an example explained previously. Features specific toa given example will be described in that particular example. The readershould understand that a given feature need not be the same or similarto the specific portrayal of a related feature in any given figure orexample.

With reference to FIGS. 1-4, a first example of an object mountingsystem, mounting system 10 will now be described. Mounting system 10includes a first tension bearing member 20, a second tension bearingmember 30, a number of mounting receptacles 40, 50, 60, and 70, a firstwall anchor 80, and a second wall anchor 82.

Mounting system 10 functions to hang or otherwise suspend an objectwhere the tension bearing members 20 and 30 engage wall anchor 80 and/orwall anchor 82.

By way of example, FIGS. 1-4 provide a sample object 90 that representsany number of items that may be hung with mounting system 10. In theinstant example, object 90 represents a sheet of glass. In anotherembodiment, the object is a piece of art. In yet another example, theobject is a fiat panel television.

The applications contemplated for mounting system 10 are as limitless asthe number of objects that a user might want to hang. The instantembodiment is exemplified utilizing object 90, a clear sheet of glass,to provide the examiner with a clear and simple view of mounting system10, unhindered by the additional components of other potential objects.

FIG. 1 depicts mounting system 10 including a first tension bearingmember 20. Tension bearing member 20 is an elongate structure configuredto wear the weight of object 90 when hung from anchor 80

In the instant example, tension bearing member 20 is a cable. In anotherexample the tension bearing member defines a cord. In an alternativeexample the tension bearing member is a nylon strap. In yet anotherembodiment the member is a plastic line. In any example, the mountingsystem uses any tension bearing member capable of supporting the forcesexerted on it by the object it is being used to hang.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, first tension bearing member 20 furtherincludes a first inserting end 22 and a second inserting end 24. Firstinserting end 22 is a terminal end to tension bearing member 20. In thisexample inserting end 22 defines a cable ferrule 23.

In this instance, terminating tension bearing member 20 with a cableferrule allows tension bearing member 20 to securely engage a mountingreceptacle 40.

In various examples, the inserting end defines any termination capableof engaging a complimentarily shaped mounting receptacle. As can be seenin FIG. 1, the round shape of cable ferrule 23 engages the recess inmounting receptacle 40.

In another example tension bearing member 20 terminates in a loopstructure. In that example a mounting receptacle is configured to engagethe loop structure by having a complimentarily shaped hook to interfacewith a hole in the loop structure. Like the instant example, thecomplementary engagement between the tension bearing member and themounting receptacle create a secure hold allowing the tension bearingmember to hang from the anchor without coming loose or disengaging whenweight is applied.

As shown in FIG. 1, second inserting end 24 also terminates with a cableferrule and engages mounting receptacle 50. Turning our attention now tothe cooperative engagement of tension bearing member 20 and mountingreceptacle 40, mounting receptacle 40 will now be described.

In the instant example, mounting receptacle 40 engages the inserting end22 of tension bearing member 20 and also interfaces with object 90.Mounting receptacle 40 is configured to securely but removably attach toobject 90. By way of example only, FIG. 1 depicts mounting receptacle 40engaged with the corner of object 90. In another example, the mountingreceptacle engages only the side of the object. In various otherexamples the mounting receptacle engages any area of the periphery ofthe object conducive to supporting the objects size and weight.

Turning now to FIG. 2, the front side of mounting receptacle 40 isdisplayed. In this example, the front of mounting receptacle 40 isconfigured to hold the face of object 90. In other examples, objects arenot conducive to mounting receptacles extending onto their face. Inexamples not conducive to front extensions, the mounting receptaclesimply engages the sides of the object being hung.

In this embodiment, mounting receptacle 40 is a steel bracket that isremovably attached to object 90. In an alternative example, the mountingreceptacle is constructed from a heavy-duty plastic. In a differentexample, the mounting receptacle is cast aluminum. In various examples,materials are contemplated for the construction of mounting receptaclescapable of bearing the weight of the object being hung.

As shown in FIGS. 1-2, mounting receptacle 40 is spaced from mountingreceptacle 50 and both mounting receptacles engage opposite insertingends of first tension bearing member 20. Mounting receptacle 40 andmounting receptacle 50 hold tension bearing member 20 in place and allowit to support the tension placed upon it by object 90.

In the instant embodiment, second tension bearing member 30 issubstantially similar to first tension bearing member 20 and will not beredundantly described. Further, second tension bearing member 30 engagesmounting receptacle 60 at a first inserting end 32 and engages mountingreceptacle 70 at a second inserting end 34, in a fashion similar to thatdescribed above for first tension bearing member 20 and mountingreceptacle 40.

Both tension bearing members, when engaged with their respectivemounting receptacles, work in conjunction to provide suspension strengthto mounting system 10. Turning our attention to FIG. 3, it can be seenthat tension bearing member 20 and tension bearing member 30 alsointerface with and hang from wall anchor 80 and will anchor 82respectively.

Wall anchor 80 defines an anchor point that tension bearing member 20hangs from. The weight of object 90 is transferred to wall anchor 80 andthe object is suspended.

In the instant embodiment, wall anchor 80 is a pulley-like disc. Withreference to FIG. 3, wall anchor 80 will now be described. Wall anchor80 farther comprises an engaging surface 83, an anchor body 84, asecuring member hole 86, and anchor 80 is attached to a mounting surfacea securing member 88.

The instant example shows anchor body 84 in the shape of a circulardisc. An alternative example has an anchor body exhibiting a tear-dropshape. In another example, the anchor body is an elongate oval. Invarious examples, the anchor body defines any shape conducive toreceiving a tension bearing member and supporting the weight exerted onit by the object being suspended.

In certain examples, a particular shape may be conducive to interfacingwith a particular type of tension bearing member. Wall anchors areselectable in material construction and shape based upon a givenapplication or use. In one iteration, for example, metal wall anchorsare superior for attachment to a metal mounting surface. In anotherexample a plastic wall anchor is used.

Referring to FIG. 3, engaging surface 83 is shown disposed around theperiphery of wall anchor 80. Engaging surface 83 is a channel formed inthe anchor body 84 configured to receive tension bearing member 20. Inthe instant example, the engaging surface is shaped complementarily tothe contour of tension bearing member 20.

In a different example, the engaging surface is not a channel, rather itis a raised extension around the periphery of the wall anchor that keepsthe tension bearing member in place on the wall anchor. In anotherexample, the engaging surface is ribbed and engages corresponding ribsin a certain tension bearing member. In each example, the engagingsurface helps the tension bearing member maintain contact with theanchor body of the wall anchor.

Turning again to FIG. 3, wall anchor 80 is secured to a mounting surfacewith a securing member 88. Both wall anchor 80 and wall anchor 82 arespaced from one another on a mounting surface within the peripheralboundaries of the object being hung. In this example, the closer thewall anchors are to the center of the object, the tighter the tensionbearing members become.

In some examples a user will mount the wall anchors on a mountingsurface at a desired height. Before the object is hung, the tensionbearing members are slack, hanging between their respective receptacles.Upon hanging the object, each tension bearing member will come intocontact with a corresponding wall anchor. As the object is lowered intoplace, the tension beating members become taut. When the tension bearingmembers are completely taut, the object will be hanging in place.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, securing member 88 is a common lag screw. Anyperson skilled in the art will immediately recognize that any number ofsecuring members may be used to attach the wall anchor to a mountingsurface. In a particular example, a combination nut and bolt is used. Inanother example, a nail is used. In each example, any securing membercapable of attaching the wall anchor to a mounting surface iscontemplated.

In the instant embodiment, wall anchor 82 is substantially similar towall anchor 80 and will not be redundantly described. Further, secondtension bearing member 30 engages wall anchor 82 in a manner similar tothat described above for wall anchor 80 and tension bearing member 20.

Turning attention to FIG. 5, a second example of an object mountingsystem, mounting system 110 will now be described. Mounting system 110includes many similar or identical features to mounting system 10. Thus,for the sake of brevity, each feature of mounting system 110 will not beredundantly explained. Rather, key distinctions between mounting system110 and mounting system 10 will be described in detail and the readershould reference the discussion above for features substantially similarbetween the two systems.

As can be seen in FIG. 5, mounting system 110 includes a first tensionbearing member 120, a second tension bearing member 130, a number ofmounting receptacles 140, 150, 160, and 170, a first wall anchor 180,and a second wall anchor 182.

Mounting system 110 functions to hang or otherwise suspend an objectwhere tension bearing member 120 engages wall anchor 180 and tensionhearing member 130 engages wall anchor 182 and where both wall anchorsare fastened to a mounting surface.

By way of example, mounting system 110 is shown in conjunction with anobject 190. Object 190 is a flat panel television.

With reference to FIG. 6, mounting receptacle 140 is depicted as a fixedmounting receptacle. The primary difference between the instantembodiment and that described above is that mounting receptacle 140 isembedded into object 190. Rather than a removable structure, mountingreceptacle 140 is fixed into place and forms a single structure with theback portion of object 190.

In this example, the ends of tension bearing member 120 terminate withcable ferrule 125. As described above, in alternative embodiments,mounting receptacle 140 is contoured to receive cable ferrule 125 in acomplimentary fashion.

Often, the objects being hung with mounting system 110 are conducive toembedded mounting receptacles. A flat panel television for exampletypically has a rear housing that is made of metal or plastic, intowhich a mounting receptacle may be stamped or molded.

Turning back to FIG. 5, a front view of the television depicted in FIG.6 is shown. In this example, and unlike the embodiment described above,the mounting receptacles are invisible from the front. In certaininstances, it is a more appealing look when the mounting receptacles arecontained entirely at the rear of the object being suspended.

Mounting system 110 employs similar hanging techniques to thosedescribed above in the context of mounting system 10.

Turning attention now to FIG. 7, a third example of an object mountingsystem, mounting system 210 will now be described. Mounting system 210includes many similar or identical features to mounting system 10 andmounting system 110. Thus, for the sake of brevity, each feature ofmounting system 210 will not be redundantly explained. Rather, keydistinctions between mounting system 210 and mounting systems 10 and 110will be described in detail and the reader should reference thediscussion above for features substantially similar between the threesystems.

As can be seen in FIG. 7, like the above described mounting systems,system 210 includes a tension bearing member 220, a mounting receptacle240, and a wall anchor 280.

Mounting system 210 functions to hang or otherwise suspend an objectwhere tension bearing member 220 engages wall anchor 280 and where wallanchor 280 is fastened to a mounting surface.

Although the embodiments described above include vastly similarcomponents, mounting system 210 includes additional features including aconfiguration allowing the relative length of tension bearing member 220to be adjusted. Referring again to FIG. 7, tension bearing member 220 isdepicted having cable crimps 227 spaced along the length of its terminalend.

Cable crimps 227 are crimped tightly around tension bearing member 220and are configured to engage a complimentarily shaped portion ofmounting receptacle 240. In the instant example, cable crimps 227 engagemounting receptacle in a way similar to that described tsar the cableferrules of various other embodiments.

In this embodiment, cable crimps 227 are standard metal crimps as knownin the art. In another example, the crimps define a simple enlargementof the diameter of the otherwise elongate tension bearing member. Theelongate portion of the tension bearing member passes through themounting receptacle until an enlarged portion engages the mountingreceptacle. The shape, size, and material construction of the cable,crimps in alternative examples are user-selectable according to a givenapplication. In one instance a metal crimp is superior based upon agiven object, mounting surface, or tension beating member type. Inanother example a plastic crimp is superior. In yet anotherconfiguration a rubber crimp is advantageous.

When utilizing mounting system 210, a user follows procedures detailedfor mounting system 10 and mounting system 110. In previous embodiments,tension bearing members are described having a fixed length. In suchinstances the spacing of the wall anchors provides adjustment to thetension bearing member's relative length. When the wall anchors aresecured to a mounting surface closer to the mounting receptacles, thetension bearing members have an increased relative hanging length. Thismeans the object can be more loosely hung from the mounting surface.

When the wall anchors are secured to a mounting surface further from themounting receptacles, the relative hanging length of the tension bearingmembers is reduced and the object is more firmly suspended.

In certain applications a user will want to hang objects of varioussizes or frequently change, the objects that are being hung. Rather thandismounting and resecuring the wall anchors to fit varying object sizes,weights, and positions, users of mounting system 210 may adjust therelative length of tension bearing member 220.

Referring again to FIG. 7, one skilled in the art will recognize that byselectively engaging different cable crimps 227 with mounting receptacle240, the relative length of tension bearing member 220 can be shortenedor lengthened.

In the instant embodiment, mounting receptacle 240 includes a frictionsurface 241. Friction surface 241 maintains tension bearing member 220in a fixed, user-selected position within mounting receptacle 240.

Other embodiments do not include a friction surface but employ thecomplimentarily shaped receptacles described in conjunction withmounting systems 10 and 110. In yet other examples only a frictionsurface is used to secure the tension bearing member in place and cablecrimps are unnecessary.

Various examples include means for securing the tension bearing memberthat are commonly known in the art. In each example an adjustment meansis contemplated that is sufficient to secure the tension bearing memberat a user-selected length and to bear the weight and forces exerted onit by the object.

The disclosure above encompasses multiple distinct inventions withindependent utility. While each of these inventions has been disclosedin a particular form, the specific embodiments disclosed and illustratedabove are not to be considered in a limiting sense as numerousvariations are possible. The subject matter of the inventions includesall novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations of thevarious elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosed aboveand inherent to those skilled in the art pertaining to such inventions.Where the disclosure or subsequently filed claims recite “a” element, “afirst” element, or any such equivalent term, the disclosure or claimsshould be understood to incorporate one or more such elements, neitherrequiring nor excluding two or more such elements.

Applicants reserves the right to submit claims directed to combinationsand subcombinations of the disclosed inventions that are believed to benovel and non-obvious. Inventions embodied in other combinations andsubcombinations of features, functions, elements and/or properties maybe claimed through amendment of those claims or presentation of newclaims in the present application or in a related application. Suchamended or new claims, whether they are directed to the same inventionor a different invention and whether they are different, broader,narrower or equal in scope to the original claims, are to be consideredwithin the subject matter of the inventions described herein.

1. A mounting system for hanging an object on a surface, comprising: afirst elongate tension bearing member; a second elongate tension bearingmember, each tension bearing member having: a first inserting end; and asecond inserting end; a first mounting receptacle defining a firsttension member attachment point, the first mounting receptacleconfigured to receive the first inserting end of the first tensionbearing member and the first inserting end of the second tension beingmember and wherein the first mounting receptacle interfaces with theobject; a second mounting receptacle defining a second tension memberattachment point, the second mounting receptacle configured to receivethe second inserting end of the first tension bearing member and thesecond inserting end of the second tension bearing member and whereinthe second mounting receptacle interfaces with the object; a wall anchorconfigured to attach to the surface and to engage the first and secondtension bearing members.
 2. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein thefirst elongate tension bearing member defines a cable.
 3. The mountingsystem of claim 2, wherein the first inserting end further comprises acable ferrule
 4. The mounting system of claim 3, wherein at least one ofthe first or second mounting receptacles are configured to receive thecable ferrule
 5. The mounting system of claim 1, wherein the firstmounting receptacle defines an independent and removable structureconfigured to attach to the object.
 6. The mounting system of claim 1,wherein the mounting receptacles define an embedded structurepermanently affixed to the object.
 7. The mounting system of claim 1,wherein the wall anchor defines a first wall anchor and furthercomprising: a second wall anchor substantially similar to the first wallanchor; a third mounting receptacle; and a fourth mounting receptacle.8. The mounting system of claim 7, wherein the object is substantiallyplanar and wherein the planar object has: a first horizontal edge and asecond horizontal edge and wherein the first mounting receptacle isdisposed on the first horizontal edge and the second mounting receptacleis disposed opposite the first mounting receptacle on the secondhorizontal edge and wherein the third mounting receptacle is spaced fromthe first mounting receptacle on the first horizontal edge and thefourth mounting receptacle is disposed opposite the third mountingreceptacle on the second horizontal edge.
 9. The mounting system ofclaim 8, wherein: the first inserting end of the first elongate tensionwearing member is attached to the first mounting receptacle; the secondinserting end of the first tension tearing member is attached to thesecond mounting receptacle; the first inserting end of the secondelongate tension bearing member is attached to the third mountingreceptacle; and the second inserting end of the second tension bearingmember is attached to the fourth mounting receptacle.
 10. The mountingsystem of claim 9, wherein: the first wall anchor is attached to a wall;the second wall anchor is spaced from the first wall anchor and attachedto the wall; the first tension bearing member engages the first wallanchor; and the second tension bearing member engages the second wallanchor.
 11. A mounting system for hanging an object on a surface,comprising: a first elongate tension bearing member; a second elongatetension bearing member, each tension bearing member having: a firstinserting end; and a second inserting end; a plurality of mountingreceptacles disposed on the periphery of the object configured toreceive the first inserting end or the second inserting end of a tensionbeating member; and a wall anchor configured to attach to the surfaceand to engage the first and second tension bearing members.
 12. Themounting system of claim 11, wherein a first mounting receptacle of theplurality of mounting receptacles defines an independent and removablestructure configured to attach to the object.
 13. The mounting system ofclaim 11, wherein the mounting receptacles are configured to selectivelyvary the effective length of the elongate tension bearing members. 14.The mounting system of claim 11, wherein the object is a flat paneltelevision.
 15. The mounting system of claim 11 wherein the wall anchordefines a first wall anchor and further comprising: a second wall anchorsubstantially similar to the first wall anchor.
 16. The mounting systemof claim 15, wherein the first wall anchor is substantially circularwith an engaging surface configured to interface with the elongatetension bearing member.
 17. The mounting system of claim 16, wherein theengaging surface defines a channel disposed on the periphery of the wallanchor configured to receive the elongate tension bearing member.
 18. Amounting system for hanging an object on a surface, comprising: a firstand a second elongate tension bearing member, each tension bearingmember having: a first inserting end; and a second inserting end; aplurality of mounting receptacles corresponding in number to the numberof inserting ends of the elongate tension bearing members, each mountingreceptacle disposed on the periphery of the object and configured toreceive the first inserting end or the second inserting end of anelongate tension bearing member; a first wall anchor; a second wall aanchor, each wall anchor comprising: an anchor body; a securing member;and an engaging surface configured to interface the tension bearingmembers.
 19. The mounting system of claim 18, wherein the engagingsurface defines a channel.
 20. The mounting system of claim 18, whereinthe anchor body defines a securing member hole and wherein the securingmember passes through the securing member hole to attach to the wall,the anchor body being configured to rotate around the securing member.